Recent archaeological research has identified a widespread southern African rock art tradition that materially affects the debate over what archaeology can tell us about prehistory in southern Africa. This tradition differs from the one attributed to the ancestors of todays San in being dominated by roughpecked and fingerpainted geometric imagery. Using appearance, technique, age, geographic distribution, site preference, and relationship to known Sanproduced rock art, this article considers various candidates for its authorshipSan foragers, Bantuspeaking farmers, Khoekhoen herders, European colonists, and multiethnic groupingsand concludes that it was predominantly Khoekhoen. The identity of the Khoekhoen, their origins, the route(s) by which they traveled, their relationship with foragers, and their material culture signature are contentious issues. The identification of a Khoekhoen rock art tradition provides another element for the study of the SanKhoekhoen relationship.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Smith et al. (2004) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: